Charles D. Lanier
Charles Lanier | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Madison, Indiana, U.S. |
| Died | March 6, 1926 (aged 89) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, railroad executive |
| Known for | Partnership in Winslow, Lanier & Co.; presidency of Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway; close associate of J.P. Morgan |
Charles Lanier (January 19, 1837 – March 6, 1926) was a prominent American banker and railroad executive who inherited most of his father’s wealth and maintained a close professional relationship with financier J.P. Morgan.
Early life
Born in Madison, Indiana, Lanier was the son of James Franklin Doughty Lanier (1800–1881) and Elizabeth Gardner Lanier (1798–1846). His siblings included Alexander Chalmers Lanier, Elizabeth Frances Lanier (wife of Brig. Gen. William McKee Dunn), Drucilla Ann Lanier (married to Indiana Lieutenant Governor John R. Cravens), Mary Lanier (spouse of John Cameron Stone), Louisa Morris Lanier, and Katherine Howard Lanier.
The family’s ancestry can be traced to Thomas Lanier, a French Huguenot refugee who emigrated to America in 1655 alongside John Washington, the great-grandfather of President George Washington. Thomas settled in Westmoreland County, Virginia and married Anne Washington, thereby connecting the Laniers to early colonial American leadership.
Career
Lanier began his career in 1859 by joining his father’s banking enterprise, Winslow, Lanier & Co., which had been established in 1849 with Richard H. Winslow. He obtained a partnership stake in 1860 and eventually assumed leadership of the firm, sustaining a banking career that spanned 67 years—among the longest tenures of its era.
His directorships extended to key railroads such as the Southern Railway, the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway—where he held the presidency—and the Massillon & Cleveland Railroad. Additionally, Lanier served as trustee of the Central Union Trust Company and sat on the boards of the Central Railroad of New Jersey, West Shore Railroad, Western Union Telegraph Co., The Central & South American Telegraph Co., Madison Square Garden Co., and the National Bank of Commerce.
As a trusted associate of banker J.P. Morgan, Lanier participated in numerous major financial deals and was a member of Morgan’s exclusive "Corsair Club," convening aboard Morgan's yacht.
Social affiliations
For 48 years until 1923, Lanier was a board member of the American Museum of Natural History. His memberships included prestigious organizations such as the Metropolitan Club, The Union League Club, Knickerbocker Club, New York Yacht Club, and Pilgrim Club.
Personal life
On October 7, 1857, Lanier wed Sarah E. Egleston (1837–1898), daughter of Thomas Egleston. Their union produced four children:
- James Franklin Doughty Lanier (1858–1928), who married Harriet Arnold Bishop in 1885.
- Sarah Eggleston Lanier (1862–1893), wife of Francis C. Lawrance Jr.
- Fanny Lanier (1864–1958), married to Francis Randall Appleton.
- Elizabeth Gardner Lanier (1870–1935), spouse of George Evans Turnure.
In 1882, they constructed the "Allen Winden" estate located in Lenox, Massachusetts; following Lanier’s passing, it was replaced by a more modest residence.
Lanier passed away on March 6, 1926, at his Manhattan residence. His estate was appraised at $9.7 million, including significant securities and ownership in his firm, with generous legacies left to family members, employees, and charitable organizations.
Descendants
He was the grandfather of engineer Charles Lawrance and Kitty Lanier Lawrance (1893–1936) through his daughter Sarah. After the passing of their parents during Kitty's early years, their grandfather took on the responsibility of raising both children. In 1915, Kitty entered into marriage with W. Averell Harriman (1891–1986), who later became the Governor of New York. The couple ended their marriage in 1928.